Hours: Oct.- March: Mon.- Sat. 10:30am- 12:45pm, 2:00-5:00pm, Sun. 2:00- 5:00pm

      Tickets: €5, includes tour

          Built by the Normans in the 13^th century, Kilkenny Castle is one of the most splendid castles in Ireland.  From the 14^th to the 20^th century, the Butlers occupied the castle, where afterwards it was restored and then opened to the public.  Butler Gallery resides within the castle, which displays contemporary art and other exhibitions (10:30am- 5:00pm).  Surrounding the castle are gardens and a cemetery, free to walk through.

      Hours: April, May and Sept.: Mon.- Sat. 10:00am- 1:00pm, 2:00- 5:00pm, Sun. 2:00-5:00pm; June.- Aug.: Mon.- Sat. 9:00am- 6:00pm, Sun. 2:00-6:00pm; Oct.- March: Mon.- Sat. 10:00am- 1:00pm, 2:00- 4:00pm, Sun. 2:00- 4:00pm

      Tickets: €4, students €3; tower: €3, €2,50 students

          Built in the 13^th century, St. Canice’s is the second largest cathedral in Ireland and its site has held religious significance since the 6^th century. Inside holds a wealth of religious and historical relics, like the ancient stone under the throne of the bishops, who are still enthroned there today. The cathedral’s 9^th century round tower offers an excellent view of the city. 

      Tickets: €6, €5 students

      Hours: March- Oct.: Mon.- Sat. 10:30am, 12:15pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm, Sun. 11:15am, 12:30pm

          The official tour for Kilkenny, the Tynan walking tour lasts about an hour as an animated Irishman (or woman) guides visitors through the city’s main attractions, like the Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral.

Trains:  Trains bring backpackers to Dublin Rd. from the city of Dublin (2hr) or Waterford (45min).

Buses:  Buses come from more destinations including Cork (3hr), Dublin (2hr), Limerick (2.5hr), Waterford (1.5hr), and Galway (5hr).

Address: 6 John Street

    A lively pub in the heart of Kilkenny, the name comes from Bridget Ellen Connors, born in 1798.  Known by her mother’s maiden name, Early, Bridget gained the ability to heal and see the future, and the word “Biddy” means healer, wise woman, or witch.  In 1865 she was accused of witchcraft, but the case was dismissed for lack of sufficient evidence.  She possessed a magic bottle wrapped in a red shawl, of which a priest threw into the Kilbarron Lake after she died.  The Biddy Earlys pub features karaoke on Thurs., DJs on Fri., and live bands on certain nights. The bartenders here are famous for their bottle tricks.

Address: Kieran’s St.

   This old medieval tavern gets its name from Dame Alice de Kyteler, owner of the inn and born in 1263.  Kyteler was apparently able to acquire four husbands and riches through her womanly wiles, and hence accused of witchcraft in 1324 and sentenced to be whipped and burned at the stake.  She was able to escape to England with the help of “certain nobility,” but her “accomplices” unfortunately received the punishment and were executed. The old inn still maintains its cozy, medieval appeal as a tavern that serves up a tasty Irish menu and beer.